Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-04-27

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Mr. Snowden said that Mr.. Sweeney had
not locke into the matter as thoroughly as
the committee had done. Thel.committee
knew that Messrs. Smoot & Co. had sub let
the American coal wharf from the American
Coal Company, and they were convinced
that while the rent was much less, the fact
that all repairs would be made by the lessee
would take from the city great burden
and one that would be repaid the city at
once. He did not think the estimate of
$4,000 for repairs was excessive.
Mr.. Sweeney said the Council were in no
hurry to get tenant. The present lease
had more than two years to run, and by
that time the value of the property would
probably be increased by the changes likely
to occur. There had been already higher
offer than that of Mr.. Smoot, and Mr. Smoot
had only increased his offer to $500 in the
face of another bid of that amount.
Mr.. Corbett asked that the report OF the
committee be read again. It was read from
the back of Mr.. Shoots proposition, as fol-
lows:
The finance committee recommend that the
American Coal Wharf be leased to w. A. Smoot &
Co., for ten years, at a yearly rental of $780,
from November, 1889"
He understood the committee to say that
81 900 would be paid down and $500 per an
|
Mr.. Snowden said that the contract would
be made on that basil; this endorsement had
been hurriedly made in order to present
the report, at the last meeting of Council
Mr.. Aitcheaon saw no reason to be in
hurry about the matter We are all right
| for two years anyhow. There were other
citizens who would like to rent these
wharves, and when lease is made it should
be public and all allowed to have chance.
! Mr. Peake said that some time ago the
American Coal Co. had offered So, 500 to be
released from the contract and that Mr..
Smoot offered $4,000 for the release, and
| then $500 per annum. He thought the lease
would be wise.
Mr.. Corbett said he was so dull of com.
prehension that he did not understand how
the adoption Of the report of the committee
to make the rent begin November l. 1889,
could make it begin March /, 1887
Mr.. Fisher thought that the matter should
be put on broader basis than dealing with
one man. Another gentleman had offered
committee ignored this gentleman's offer
entirely, but Mr.. Smoot raised his offer from
5000 to $780, This gentleman was willing
to start his bid at $500 and continue to bid.
After discussion of railroad rates. Mr.. F.
continued, and said that he thought it
would be better to postpone the matter, and
when lease is to be made let all have
chance.
NIr. Snowden said that Mr.. Smoot was al
4 ready in possession of the property as sub
lessee, and therefore the committee had
dealt with him first. They could not give
any one else possession before November,
1889.
President Eichberg (Mr. Peake in the
chair said the matter was an important one
and be wanted time, and thought that 30
important matter should not be disposed
of at the meeting at which the report is first
presented.
| After short recess,
Mr.. Snowden desired to say that there
was need Of speedy action. Mr.. Smoot
| wished to know what Council was willing
| to do about the matter.
Action on the report was then laid over,
whereupon
Mr.. Snowden, on behalf Of Mr.. Smoot,
said that gentleman withdrew his PROPOSE
ton.
The President-"Then there is nothing
before Council"
Mr.. Uhler then presented a communica
ton from the American Coal Company re
guessing the City Council TO at once put the
wharf in repair. The communication WAS
referred To the Committee on Public Prop
erty.
Subsequently the withdrawal of Mr..
Shoots proposition was reconsldered and
the matter again referred to the Finance
| Committee.
When the proposal to give the Young
Mems Christian Association free gas to the
extent of $50 per annum within their rooms
ard 10 put up gas post and furnish gas at
LII. r ~
Mr.. Snowden said it WAS too late to take
up anything that might call forth debate,
and he moved to postpone.
Mr.. Uhler hoped that action would be
taken at once. The members of the Chris
tan Association had fitted up house and
they would like to know what Council
would do Fifty dollars worth of gas was
now given to the Light Infantry, and the
only cost to Council would be sixty dollars
to the Christian Association rooms. The
street lamp post would be put up without
expense to the city. The matter was post
poned.
When bill was presented for material
used in the construction Of the Columbia
engine house the question was asked if this
house would ever be paid for.
No other business occasioned discussion.
JOINT MEETING.
The two boards having convened in joint
session, the chair announced that the buai.:
ness in order was the election of school
trustee from The 4th ward, vice K. Kemper,
resigned Mr.. John 7. Sweeney was nomi.
mated, aud on motion the unanimous vote
of the board was cast for him by the Presi"
dent Of the Board of Aldermen
The convention then dissolved and the
board adjourned.
POLICE REPoRT-Lsst night was clear
until about , o'clock, whenit became cloudy,
and later there was rain. There were two
prisoners and three dodgers at the station
house.
The Mayor this morning disposed of the
following cases: